Respiratory Therapist

Job Relationships

Department:
Respiratory Therapy

Supervisor:
Clinical Coordinator, Director of Emergency Department

Supervises:
None

Respiratory Therapy will generally be defined, interpreted, and practiced within the guidelines of the Official Definition and Statement of Principles of Respiratory Care that are accepted by the American Association of Respiratory Care. Respiratory Care is defined as the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health and wellness. Respiratory Therapists employ scientific principles to identify, treat and prevent acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system.

Respiratory therapist practice under the supervision of a physician and pursuant to a referral, or a verbal, written, or telecommunicated order from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Respiratory Care includes, but is not limited to, education pertaining to health promotion; use of respiratory equipment and processes; disease prevention and management; provide age-specific and developmentally appropriate care for pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

We are committed to providing wage ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on experience, education and internal equity considerations. The hourly wage range for this position is $37.96–$53.59. This range reflects the base salary for this position.

• Providing and monitoring therapeutic treatment administration:
  • Medical gases, aerosols, humidification, and pharmacological agents related to respiratory care procedures, but not including administration of general anesthesia;
  • Application and monitoring of mechanical ventilatory support;
• Providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural airways and insertion and maintenance of artificial airways;
• Assessing and monitoring signs, symptoms, and general behavior relating to, and general physical response to, respiratory care treatment or evaluation for treatment and diagnostic testing, including determination of whether the signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics;
  • Assisting hemodynamic monitoring and support of the cardiopulmonary system
  • Assessing and making suggestions for modifications in the treatment regimen based on abnormalities, protocols, or changes in patient response to respiratory care treatment
• Obtaining physiological specimens and interpreting physiological data including:
  • Analyzing arterial and venous blood gases;
  • Assessing respiratory secretions;
  • Measuring ventilatory volumes, pressures, and flows;
  • Diagnostic and therapeutic testing of breathing patterns related to sleep disorders;
• Instructing patients and their families in techniques for the prevention, alleviation, and rehabilitation of deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the cardiopulmonary system.
• Utilization of protocols, guidelines, pathways, and policies driven by evidence-based medicine, expert opinion, and standards of practice.
• Transcribing and implementing verbal, written, or telecommunicated orders from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for respiratory care services.
• Discharge planning, case management & utilization of DME services as needed.
• Educating staff on proper use of respiratory equipment, processes and outcomes as well procedures within the scope of practice identified at NH+C, such as, ABG lab draws.
• Restocking and cleaning of equipment.
• Resource to assist in all departments and clinics if able or needed and other duties as assigned.
• Support of public education activities focused on the promotion of cardiopulmonary wellness and prevention that is sustainable.

• Current RRT license with The National Board of Respiratory Care, in good standing
• Current Respiratory Therapist license with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, in good standing
• Current BLS must be enrolled in NH+C RQI program and complete the requirements within 90 days of enrollment. Must remain current (complete quarterly assignments prior to the end of…